Boris Johnson mentions Jimmy Savile in clash with Keir Starmer
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Lindsay Hoyle conceded that mentioning Jimmy Savile during a debate in the Commons was not “procedurally” disorderly but questioned the appropriateness of the comments. During a heated debate over the recently-published Sue Gray report on Monday, Boris Johnson accused Sir Keir Starmer of failing to prosecute the disgraced BBC DJ while a Director of Public Prosecutions. Sir Lindsay said nothing “procedurally nothing disorderly” occurred in the debate but hit out at Mr Johnson for his choice of attack.
The Speaker of the House said: “I am not responsible for members’ contributions and will seek not to intervene unless something is said which is disorderly.
“Procedurally nothing disorderly occurred but such allegations should not be made lightly, especially in view of the guidance of Erskine May about good temper, moderation being the characteristics of parliamentary debate.
“While they may not have been disorderly, I am far from satisfied that the comments in question were appropriate on this occasion.”
He added: “I want to see more compassionate, reasonable politics in this House, and the sort of comment can only inflame opinions and generate disregard for this House.
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“I’ve got to say I want a nicer Parliament, the only way we can get a nicer Parliament is being more honourable in the debates we have.
“Please, let us show each other respect as well as tolerance going forward.”
Mr Johnson made the unsubstantiated claim as he faced a two-hour grilling in the Commons over the findings of the Gray report.
He said: “He spent most of his time prosecuting journalists and failing to prosecute Jimmy Savile, as far as I can make out.”
The Prime Minister also later bizarrely insinuated the Labour frontbencher had been on drugs as he answered a question.
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